Thomas L Derowitsch

Thomas Derowitsch was born on July 30, 1943 to Charles and Marion Derowitsch in Queens, New York.  

He grew up in Stewart Manor, NY and New Providence, NJ with his two brothers Richard and David.  He was grateful to be a part of the graduating class of 1962, attending all his high school reunions.  He went on to Mount Saint Mary's College in Maryland and graduated with a degree in education.

In 1968 he chose to enlist into the army, instead of being drafted, and honorably served his country in Vietnam.  He later went on to serve in the NJ Army National Guard, years later after his active duty time.  With his medical training from the military, he went on to work at Dover Hospital where he met Linda Alegarbes.  Linda introduced him to her niece, Norie Magdamit and on April 12, 1980, they were married.  They had two children together, Lorraine and William.  Tom and Norie both loved spending time with their children and were much involved in their activities. Tom especially enjoyed introducing his children to nature, encouraging education, and spending time together with other relatives.  As the children grew older, he was often the one to maintain relationships with distant family members spread out through the country.

He retired from the NJ Department of Transportation in 2007, but his service in the National Guard was much more memorable for him.  During his time in the guard he often volunteered to serve on missions, including the bridge and tunnel duty that followed 9/11.  He served until the age of mandatory retirement. After retirement, he went back to the field of education and spent his retirement years doing what he loved, working with kids as a substitute teacher.  In this position, he seemed to connect with the kids in a very meaningful way, taking the time to teach from his own experience and knowledge and getting to know his students.  He lived with Norie in New Brunswick during this latter part of his life, where he also worked as a substitute.  Through the years, he became a very familiar face to all the young people in the neighborhood, where he was known as Mr. D.  He loved this work, loved being a part of the community, and developed lasting relationships with both teachers and students. 

In March of 2022, he was present for the birth of his only grandchild, as of yet, Stirling Dero Chartier, whom he adored and affectionately called “Pumpkin,” just as he called his daughter, Stirling's mother, when she was young.

Tom is survived by his wife, Norie, daughter Lorraine, son William, grandson Stirling, and his two brothers Richard and David.